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- Tasks: Drive operational improvements on-site with portfolio companies in the US.
- Company: Specialist operations consulting firm focused on private equity-backed businesses.
- Benefits: All travel, accommodation, and subsistence covered; flexible contractor role.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in fast-paced, industrial environments and enjoy problem-solving.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by implementing solutions that improve EBITDA and operational performance.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years of hands-on operational consulting experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
My Client are a specialist operations consulting firm that works exclusively with private equity-backed businesses. Their work is execution-led. Consultants are embedded directly inside portfolio companies to deliver measurable improvements in EBITDA, cash flow and operational performance. Think shop floor redesign, throughput improvement, cost reduction and post-acquisition integration - not slide decks.
The Role: This is a contractor role aimed at building a flexible, deployable bench of operations-focused consultants based in the UK who can mobilise quickly - typically within two weeks - onto client projects in the United States. You will be embedded on-site with portfolio company teams, working directly with operators, supervisors and senior management to drive implementation. Projects range from two or three weeks through to three months. All travel, accommodation and subsistence are fully covered.
What You'll Be Working On:
- Operational due diligence assessments ahead of PE acquisitions
- Post-close value creation and rapid EBITDA improvement
- Throughput improvement and capacity debottlenecking
- Cost reduction, shift structure optimisation and overhead elimination
- Working capital and inventory rationalisation
- Business consolidation and site integration for roll-up platforms
- Embedding KPI tracking, daily controls and performance routines
Who They're Looking For: The ideal candidate has two to four years of hands-on operational consulting experience, though strong Manager-level candidates will also be considered. Background from execution-focused consultancies - the kind where you are physically on the shop floor rather than in a conference room is strongly preferred.
Essential Experience:
- Track record of delivering measurable operational improvement on-site in industrial environments - factories, warehouses, production facilities
- Experience owning and leading workstreams end-to-end, not just supporting analysis
- Ability to diagnose complex operational problems and translate them into clear, actionable plans
- Strong with data - Excel, operational KPIs, production metrics
- Comfortable working directly with shop floor teams and senior stakeholders alike
The Ideal Mindset:
- You want to see your work implemented and measured, not filed away
- You are comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- You have a high-ownership mentality - if something isn't working, you fix it
- You enjoy working in industrial settings and aren't precious about getting stuck in
- You're interested in private equity and want to build exposure to that world
This Won't Work If:
- You are not willing to travel Monday to Friday on a full-time basis
- Your consulting experience is purely strategy with no on-the-ground implementation
- Industry only experience - without Consulting
- You have not worked directly in operational environments
If you come from a hands-on operational consultancy and are open to US travel, we'd like to hear from you - even if you're not actively looking. Initial conversations are entirely confidential.
OPEX Consultant employer: Tarka Talent
Contact Detail:
Tarka Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OPEX Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the operations consulting space. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially if they have ties to private equity-backed firms. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get ready for those interviews! Brush up on your operational improvement success stories and be prepared to discuss how you've tackled complex problems on-site. Remember, they want to see your hands-on experience, so make it shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for travel and flexibility. Since this role involves quick mobilisations to the US, highlight your willingness to jump on a plane at short notice. It shows you're committed and ready to get stuck in!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly. Let’s get you on that path to landing the job!
We think you need these skills to ace OPEX Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: Make sure to highlight your hands-on operational consulting experience in your application. We want to see how you've delivered measurable improvements on-site, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to diagnose and solve complex operational problems.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for actionable insights, not just a list of responsibilities.
Demonstrate Your Ownership Mentality: We love candidates who take ownership of their work. In your application, share instances where you’ve taken the initiative to fix issues or improve processes. This will show us that you’re not just about analysis but are ready to roll up your sleeves and get things done.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and ready to dive into the exciting world of operations consulting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tarka Talent
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your operational consulting knowledge. Understand the key metrics like EBITDA and cash flow, and be ready to discuss how you've improved these in past roles. The more specific examples you can provide, the better!
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being on the shop floor, so highlight your hands-on experience. Be prepared to share stories of how you've tackled complex operational problems directly with teams. They want to see that you can roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Skills
Since the role requires strong data skills, make sure you’re comfortable discussing your experience with Excel and operational KPIs. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions and improvements in previous projects.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility and Ownership
The ideal candidate has a high-ownership mentality and thrives in fast-paced environments. Be ready to talk about times when you've taken initiative to fix issues or adapt to changing circumstances. Show them you're not just a consultant but a problem-solver!